He said that a number of state bodies will be examined including the RUC.

He also confirmed that MI5 and MI6 will be investigated and both are legally represented at the inquiry.

In his opening statement, Sir Anthony, said the inquiry will investigate the “nature and extent of sexual abuse perpetrated on residents of Kincora, abuse that resulted in the arrest, conviction and sentence of Mains, Semple and McGrath.”

William McGrath, Raymond Semple and Joseph Mains were senior care staff at Kincora. They were jailed in 1981 for abusing 11 boys.

At least 29 boys were abused at the east Belfast home between the late 1950s and the early 1980s.

The HIA inquiry is expected to look at claims a paedophile ring at the home had links to the intelligence services.

Victim’s appeal

There have been allegations that people in positions of authority and influence knew what was happening at the home and that they covered it up.

Both MI5 and MI6 have agreed to be central participants in the HIA inquiry but some campaigners had wanted Kincora to be investigated as part of the wider Westminster inquiry into historical child abuse, which they argue has more powers.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, led by Justice Lowell Goddard, is investigating whether institutions including local authorities, the police and the BBC have taken seriously their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse in England and Wales.